Myths about STDs
Because erroneous information regarding sexually transmitted diseases is so widely disseminated, it should come as no surprise that STDs themselves are also widely spread. The one and only way to know for certain that you will not get a sexually transmitted disease (STD) such as genital herpes, gonorrhoea, or HIV is to abstain from all forms of sexual activity (abstinence). But if one does want to engage in sexual activity, one should educate yourself on what is real and what isn’t before you do so. The following is a list of the most prevalent misconceptions that people have concerning sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Myth
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may only be contracted by “dirty” persons. Fact: STDs don’t have prejudice. STDs are common among wealthy people. Poor folks get them. Athletes often suffer from them. Math nerds get them. They are given to CEOs and lecturers. Even someone who has never had sexual contact before is at risk of contracting an STD. The safest strategy to avoid contracting a sexually transmitted disease is to abstain from all forms of sexual activity, including intercourse. If you’re curious if you have an STD, do look into womens STD testing.
What could you do?
If you do decide to engage in sexual activity, you must always wear a condom. You should continue to wear a condom even if you are already using another type of birth control, such as the pill. The pill is only one example. This is because condoms are the sole method of contraception that has been shown to minimise the likelihood of contracting an STD.
Myth
If your spouse has had an STD, you’ll know it because you’ll see the symptoms. The presence of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in a person is not always obvious. Even doctors are frequently unable to determine whether or not a person has an STD just by looking at them. Therefore, they need to conduct tests such as bloodwork. Because STDs don’t usually create symptoms, the infected person might not be aware that they have an STD. However, even if you don’t exhibit any symptoms of illness, it is still possible for you to be carrying an infection and to pass it on to others. When left untreated, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can lead to major health complications such as infertile (the incapacity to produce a baby) and pelvic inflammatory disorder (PID), both of which may need hospitalisation.
What could you do?
Get tested for sexually transmitted diseases before engaging in sexual activity, even if both you and your companion are both confident that neither of you has an STD. Then you should always wear a condom for added peace of mind. Some sexually transmitted diseases take some time before they manifest themselves on testing.
Myth
If you have oral or anal intercourse, you won’t get sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is a well-known fact that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are possible anywhere there is sex, be it oral, anal, genital, or even just intimate touch. A person’s throat as well as their genital areas are all potential entry points for the germs and viruses that cause sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as genital herpes, can be passed from person to person by simple contact with an infected region or sore.